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Efficiency, competence: Black students know the deadly, neutral definition of these words. There seldom has been a more efficient system for profiteering, through human debasement, than the plantations, of a while ago. Today, the whole world sits, as quietly scared as it can sit, afraid that, tomorrow, America may direct its efficiency and competence toward another forest for defoliation, or clean-cut laser-beam extermination.

— June Jordan Black Studies: Bringing Back The Person (1969)

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More quotes by June Jordan

Body and soul, Black America reveals the extreme questions of contemporary life, questions of freedom and identity: How can I be who I am?

Black Studies: Bringing Back The Person (1969)

Revolution always unforlds inside an atmosphere of rising expectations.

Revolution always unfolds inside an atmosphere of rising expectations.

We are among those who have been violated into violence.

Black Studies: Bringing Back The Person (1969)

Our earth is round, and, among other things, that means that you and I can hold completely different points of view and both be right. The difference of our positions will show stars in your window I cannot even imagine.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: June Jordan (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.